truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌi-zəm 

: an undoubted or self-evident truth

especially : one too obvious for mention

To understand the present, we need to know about the past—a truism that is all too often forgotten.

—Peter Stansky

truistic

trü-ˈi-stik 

adjective

Synonyms of truism

• cliché
• platitude
• commonplace
• proverb
• trope
• saying
• banality
• bromide

Examples of truism in a Sentence

ended his letter with the overused truism, “You can't win them all!”

Recent Examples on the Web

There are, however, exceptions to this truism, which brings me to my brief personal list of best movie adaptations of great literature. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026

There’s a truism that all models are wrong, but some are useful. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026

This is certainly true—and a rather banal truism. — The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

Rick Jackson is testing that truism in his campaign for Georgia governor. — Jesse Bedayn, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

truism

noun

tru·​ism ˈtrü-ˌiz-əm 

: an obvious truth